Earl the Pearl
- Thread starter jjollie
- Start date
Question: do you blame the "foreigners" for winning, or the Americans for losing? I think I can predetermine your answer.
Real question tho: Do you think that Americans shouldn't be allowed to play in tournaments outside of America?
Real question tho: Do you think that Americans shouldn't be allowed to play in tournaments outside of America?
JAM said:
StevenPWaldon said:
I blame every single American who pulls for a foreign national at the U.S. Open for the failure of American pool. You wanted my answer, and now you got it.
StevenPWaldon said:
Well, that's the way it is, my friend. Here in the United States of America, we welcome players from around the world. It isn't the same in other countries when it comes to welcoming Americans.
JAM
Take Heart Jam!
This strikes me as a neutral vote.
"Thinks he does not have a chance coming back... "
Drop those votes and add the two negatives together and compare it to the positive and the vote is running almost six to one hoping that Earl can make a strong come back as I type this. That is showing a lot of support for an American player, one of the least likeable out there at the moment.
I support the players from the US most of the time. When one is suffering from cranial anal inversion I sometimes have to back the player showing more class, at least for one match.
Hu
This strikes me as a neutral vote.
"Thinks he does not have a chance coming back... "
Drop those votes and add the two negatives together and compare it to the positive and the vote is running almost six to one hoping that Earl can make a strong come back as I type this. That is showing a lot of support for an American player, one of the least likeable out there at the moment.
I support the players from the US most of the time. When one is suffering from cranial anal inversion I sometimes have to back the player showing more class, at least for one match.
Hu
Answer noted.
FWIW as an American, I appreciate your attention, history and appreciation of the American pool players and the American pool scene.
But it seems like a lot of the big non-US pool tournaments that are invitation-only extend their hand to Americans. The World Cup of Pool, World Pool League, and Mosconi Cup are all Euro-organized. There's always a good American representation there, and they are even guaranteed good (European) money just for showing up.
I do understand your irritation that the American pool scene is often the recipient of international ("foreign") players, but this may be the result of organization.
I am curious about your view of foreign-born citizens of the US, though: Do you think those who are naturalized as American citizens have the right to play and participate in American tournaments (e.g. the US Open) and have the backing of the American audience?
I'm not trying to start a flame war here, I just find it interesting to ask you since you have a long and intimate understand of the American pool scene. If anything I'm curbing my words here because I think that in this forum, on this particular topic, you're probably the recipient of a lot of heat and you're battling several different fronts. I'm not trying to add to any of that.
Just as a note now that I'm thinking of it: we're all straying terribly off topic here, so maybe we should limit further replies and resume on another thread.
FWIW as an American, I appreciate your attention, history and appreciation of the American pool players and the American pool scene.
But it seems like a lot of the big non-US pool tournaments that are invitation-only extend their hand to Americans. The World Cup of Pool, World Pool League, and Mosconi Cup are all Euro-organized. There's always a good American representation there, and they are even guaranteed good (European) money just for showing up.
I do understand your irritation that the American pool scene is often the recipient of international ("foreign") players, but this may be the result of organization.
I am curious about your view of foreign-born citizens of the US, though: Do you think those who are naturalized as American citizens have the right to play and participate in American tournaments (e.g. the US Open) and have the backing of the American audience?
I'm not trying to start a flame war here, I just find it interesting to ask you since you have a long and intimate understand of the American pool scene. If anything I'm curbing my words here because I think that in this forum, on this particular topic, you're probably the recipient of a lot of heat and you're battling several different fronts. I'm not trying to add to any of that.
Just as a note now that I'm thinking of it: we're all straying terribly off topic here, so maybe we should limit further replies and resume on another thread.
JAM said:
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lol, I have to remember that phrase. Took me a second but I got it!
ShootingArts said:
American Hero
I have been shooting pool since 1998. I went to the U.S open that year and it was very suprising how the crowd was very supportive of the phillipino players...Later i learned they were great players... I was also very supprised of the support one man got over and over and over.... You could hear the screams through the convention center.. EARL EARL EARL..... I natuarlly joined the band wagon.. I started ruiting for this man...Two years later in 2000 I watched Earl walk around the Table pumping his fist as he beat on Okumara in the finals....That is an American Hero...He stood strong... He was like Iron. That is what America pool players should try to immulate... He wasnt rood or acting up.. He was there to shoot.... Regardless of what has happened in past years.. He still is an American Hero and should be treated as one.... Get well Earl.. Hope to see you back soon....
I have been shooting pool since 1998. I went to the U.S open that year and it was very suprising how the crowd was very supportive of the phillipino players...Later i learned they were great players... I was also very supprised of the support one man got over and over and over.... You could hear the screams through the convention center.. EARL EARL EARL..... I natuarlly joined the band wagon.. I started ruiting for this man...Two years later in 2000 I watched Earl walk around the Table pumping his fist as he beat on Okumara in the finals....That is an American Hero...He stood strong... He was like Iron. That is what America pool players should try to immulate... He wasnt rood or acting up.. He was there to shoot.... Regardless of what has happened in past years.. He still is an American Hero and should be treated as one.... Get well Earl.. Hope to see you back soon....
It's comforting to know that if I ever turn pro that I can be a complete asshole and display the worst sportsmanship the game has ever seen yet I'll still enjoy the support of folks like Jam simply because I'm an American.
And Jam, if you choose to respond to this with any negativity, just remember that I'm an American and I play pool and I deserve your support even if you think I'm being a jerk...remember, I'm an American and that gets me off the hook for just about anything, right?
And Jam, if you choose to respond to this with any negativity, just remember that I'm an American and I play pool and I deserve your support even if you think I'm being a jerk...remember, I'm an American and that gets me off the hook for just about anything, right?
cuetrip said:
Im trying to stay out of these bun fights lately but that was an exceptional post.
Also worth noting that a few Americans (Davis, Williams, Hillbilly, Schmidt, Archer I believe) are backed by Dragon Promotions and play on the Korean Tour.
In fact the only events in the world that Americans aren't allowed to play in are the Asian Tour which pays a fraction of the annual pool prize funds. The reality is it wouldn't be cost effective for Americans to fly to play on this tour even if they could.
But given ZERO Americans flew to the UAE to play in the recent WORLD 8 BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS that paid a substantial amount more money I doubt any would turn up anyway!
I sure hate to see us bash a true American sporting hero because he has developed some problems that may require help. We might not take the same attitude toward a long time friend or the guy living next door. We are less likely to route for our own if they develop some type of problem, even when we don't know the route cause or what is the matter. I for one respect Earl for what he has accomplished in a sport that I care about and for representing us (USA) in that sport and giving us much to be proud of. Has he fallan from our grace? I guess. Does he need help during what appears to be very hard times for him? I guess so. Will I change my view of his accomplishments as an American sport's hero because he now appears to be having problems? No way! Do I hope he gets whatever help he needs to over come his demons? Yes, but weather he does or dosen't he will remain one of my favorite American sports hero's for what he has accomplished in this sport of ours. I don't condone some of the things he does but he will always remain to me as a American sporting hero and an American Champion.
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I personally love the game for the game, and not its characters. Watching Irving Crane run 150 and out against Balsis in the famous 1966 finals of the 14.1 WCs, he is what most would call boring. But to me it doesn't matter. I watch for excellence at the game.
Pool in Asia (including the Phillipines) is respected and played at a high caliber. There are sponsored tours with big names, and they seem to do fine without 'characters.'
I no longer think that Strickland's antics make the arguement that he's good for the game beyond his pool skills. Pool is bigger and better outside the US, and they seem to do fine without The Pearl.
Pool in Asia (including the Phillipines) is respected and played at a high caliber. There are sponsored tours with big names, and they seem to do fine without 'characters.'
I no longer think that Strickland's antics make the arguement that he's good for the game beyond his pool skills. Pool is bigger and better outside the US, and they seem to do fine without The Pearl.
Catahula said:
why this,because THEY ARE BETTER?!You should'nt blame the AMERICAN pool scene on anyone else but AMERICANS.the reason you have a NON-EXISTANT pool scene in the U.S. because you dont promote it enough,and dont draw enough new spectators to pool AND When all i hear on here is .......JAM said:
EARL STRICKLAND is such a champion,great to watch,draws a crowd,OH,he's going through some hard times,he is the best thing for pool.
WAKE UP AMERICANS .........earl strickland is NOT your answer for bringing pool to the forefront.NEVER HAS.what new comer watching pool see's earl lifting his cue to his apponent like to strike him and says WOW,this is great,exciting,he was just about hit him!SORRY but that is NOT cool,and that will NOT draw people to your sport.
AND, I wont dig into your post much farther JAM,but i will say 1 word......
ARROGANCE.
BOY..this got heated real fast and real quick..I have alot of respect for Jam and her post on this forum and I will not take anything from her...with that said..The issue with americans supporting americans...wow that so much bigger than pool..Americans only come together duing tragedy or the us against them concept..other than that..we do what we want individualy...The concept of what America is founded on is that you can come here do your best and you will be rewarded for it..its that simple..i dont get angry at people who are wealthy ..they made the scarifice, took the chances that I was either not smart enought to make or to scared to try and they come out on top..to deny that fundemental concept would be undermine the whole concept of American Capitalism..not many would go for the idea that Every one in America made the same flat 55,000 dollars a year and not ever have the chance to earn more As for pool..Jam you and i have seen eye to eye on earl the pearl and i still back you on that one..but pulling for an American just because he is American ..is a bit hard for me to swallow..now dont get me wrong..im pulling for Johhny Archer and Earl no matter who they play..because i love them as pool players..but Here is something i want all those that read this post to chew on..this is a saying that a pool owner that i worked for put on his pool room t-shirts and is simply solves the argument of this thread in my opinion, it went something like this...
You play TEAM Sports to find out how good Y'ALL are you play pool to find out how good YOU are!
When its not about money and where the next check is comming from ...it boils down to just you and the guy on the other end of the table racking the balls...it has nothing to do with what country supports what player..a pro to an APA 2 has the same advantage..they can seize the opportunity to challenge themselves to win..its that simple and pure..thats why i love this game..i dont have to rely on anyone else during the game, it all on me, it all up to me to win or loose..so our American players need to focus and start looking in that mirror and tell themselves what we on this forum all know that they can play and beat anyone that dares to rack 9 balls in a triangle...and that is the opinion of a quitecoolguy!
You play TEAM Sports to find out how good Y'ALL are you play pool to find out how good YOU are!
When its not about money and where the next check is comming from ...it boils down to just you and the guy on the other end of the table racking the balls...it has nothing to do with what country supports what player..a pro to an APA 2 has the same advantage..they can seize the opportunity to challenge themselves to win..its that simple and pure..thats why i love this game..i dont have to rely on anyone else during the game, it all on me, it all up to me to win or loose..so our American players need to focus and start looking in that mirror and tell themselves what we on this forum all know that they can play and beat anyone that dares to rack 9 balls in a triangle...and that is the opinion of a quitecoolguy!
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Earl is just doing his job. And these public debates about Earl are too much like a grade school ousting.
I would like to assume that people do have better things to do than to nitpick. And that their remarks are in jest.
Earl is one of the few that can say he did make it in the pool world.
All this bashing is in poor taste. Regardless of what people said about what he did or how people say things happen only Earl knows what went down and why it went down.
Then for all the people who say that it comes with the territory, a remark like that says enough about your character.
For the ones that actually take action well thats a whole new level of shakesperean foil that would be deserving of no line in the play, just a background character downstage left.
About the nickname the pearl, John Stenbeck writes about it in the Pearl. Most likely origin his nickname. In the story the pearl is not evil but full of potential.
I would like to assume that people do have better things to do than to nitpick. And that their remarks are in jest.
Earl is one of the few that can say he did make it in the pool world.
All this bashing is in poor taste. Regardless of what people said about what he did or how people say things happen only Earl knows what went down and why it went down.
Then for all the people who say that it comes with the territory, a remark like that says enough about your character.
For the ones that actually take action well thats a whole new level of shakesperean foil that would be deserving of no line in the play, just a background character downstage left.
About the nickname the pearl, John Stenbeck writes about it in the Pearl. Most likely origin his nickname. In the story the pearl is not evil but full of potential.
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I enjoy your posts most of the time; however, I don't agree with your "patriotism" when it comes to american poolplayers.JAM said:
I play and watch pool for the excellence of the game. I could care less if the person playing the game is american, fillipino or german. Whoever is the best is the best and I root for them based on their personality and professionalism, not their nationality.
Your "patriotism" borders on racism.
JAM said:
JAM....TAP TAP TAP. You would NEVER see a Filipino rooting AGAINST a Filipino who is playing a person from another country. I noticed, and made the point up here, at the last worlds in Manila, the stands where PACKED whenever a countryman was playing. However, when a non countryman was playing they were nearly empty. I made the point to a shooting partner (he is Filipino) that the fans weren't pool fans, they were Filipino fans. He agreed saying "I hope Busta wins, but if not him I would settle for ANY Filipino".